The Brazilian Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Countdown Challenge
As the French winger was crowned the prestigious football award in late September, Neymar was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - simultaneously taking part in an online poker tournament.
The veteran Brazilian ace ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting around £73,800 in prize money.
It was some consolation on a day when he had to observe the player who previously succeeded him at Barcelona claim the award he had long hoped to win.
Since returning to his youth team Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has failed to live up to expectations, attracting more attention for similar incidents than for his football.
His homecoming after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to regain his form and, most importantly, rekindle a love of football that seemed lost after disappointing periods with Paris St-Germain and the Saudi club.
Conversely, it has been widely disappointing for all parties involved.
This reflects the situation that the primary concern being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the upcoming global tournament.
He's against the clock.
"Even the stars have to demonstrate that they are prepared. The clock is ticking [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On Wednesday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and the Asian nation and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"The Prince", as he was dubbed when received at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for two years.
He also remains an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's clear standout, carrying massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu remarked.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Placing all our expectations on him at the moment is problematic because he struggles to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Omission based on skill level signals deeper issues'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his return to Brazil - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was able to play, he was a different to the player who during his prime rivaled the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus another lower-division opponent, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos fight relegation in the Brazilian first tier, the number 10 no longer seems to be the decisive factor he previously represented.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has insisted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be ready in summer. It doesn't matter if he's in the squad in October, November or March," the Italian told French media.
Ancelotti caused local controversy last month by reportedly trying to shield Neymar, suggesting the star had been excluded from the team over fitness concerns.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was excluded for technical reasons; it has no connection to my fitness level."
In terms of public perception, it certainly didn't make it any better for Neymar.
"If the player we have invested our faith in to win the World Cup is left out for performance issues, evidently something isn't right," Cafu said.
Can Neymar follow Ronaldo's 2002 example?
Studies from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his behaviour on the pitch either.
He seems greater frustration than usual, having argued with fans repeatedly in stadiums - it happened in successive games in mid-year.
The following month, the forward was emotional after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his career.
When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a post-match interview, he showed irritation: "Again with this, mate? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The similar query has been directed at his parent representative Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's strategy was to remain for a limited period at Santos. To what end? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he earlier stated, causing outrage among fans.
There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's peak years remain possible and that he will be able to return to prominence the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount doubt and injuries to guide Brazil to the championship trophy.
The Brazilian great sees comparisons.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo stated during a recent event with the forward in the Brazilian city.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.
Those who have been in football understand completely how challenging it is to come back from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."
The Santos star has a few decisive months ahead to show that he's not the prince who relinquished his status.
